Ian W. Harrison, BVSc, MVS, FACVSc, DACVS
After graduating from the University of Melbourne and completing a Masters Degree in Surgery, Ian came to the USA in 1983 to complete a surgery residency at the University of Pennsylvania, New Bolton Center and became board certified. His plans to return to Australia upon completion of the residency were put on hold when he met, and subsequently married, Ginny, who was a veterinary technician at New Bolton Center.
After completion of his residency, Ian was on faculty at Auburn University, AL, where his wife, Ginny worked as a surgery and radiology technician. After his promotion to Associate Professor, they decided to move north to be closer to Ginny’s family in Wilmington, DE. Working in several equine private practices along the way, they now reside in Rippon, WV.
Ginny and Ian are incredibly proud of their two children, Jess is now a Physical Therapist and Ben is a Veterinarian! The Harrison homestead also consists of a menagerie of animals, including 5 horses, 2 minis, 6 sheep, 2 goats, 4 dogs and 1 cat who thinks he is a dog!
Dr. Harrison owned and operated Harrison Equine in Berryville, VA for 17 years, then Ian was offered the amazing opportunity to teach at Shenandoah University. He now gives lectures about Animal Anatomy, Animal Physiology, Animal Health and Welfare and is helping develop a pre-vet program. As part of this program, he continues to practice equine medicine allowing students to come on ambulatory calls.
In 2012 Ian was honored to be awarded the distinction of “Veterinarian of the Year” by the Virginia Horse Council.
Virginia Harrison – Operations Manager
Ginny is the Clinic Operations Manager and assistant at Harrison Equine. Ginny was an LVT for 15 years and has vast experience with the treatment and care of all types of animals. She works with the local 4H and Saddles and Smiles programs to share her compassion for animals with others. Ginny also conducts an amazing program, “Wheatland Wags” that connects and educates young puppies to happily interact with their future “forever families.”
